Latest news with #AmirMuqam
Express Tribune
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
JI rejects federal committee on merged districts
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has categorically rejected the federal government's committee on merged districts, led by Federal Minister Amir Muqam, calling it in violation of the Constitution of Pakistan. The party also strongly opposed any possible military operation or efforts to reverse the merger of the tribal areas under the pretext of rising lawlessness in the region. In a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Jamaat-e-Islami's Central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Abdul Wasi, former senior provincial minister and Northern K-P chief Inayatullah Khan, alongside South K-P General Secretary Muhammad Zahoor Khattak and Provincial Information Secretary Noorul Wahid Jadoon, announced that the party will hold an All Parties Conference (APC) in Peshawar on July 29 to discuss the issue. The JI leadership asserted that the federal government has no authority to make major decisions regarding the merged districts following the 25th Constitutional Amendment, which integrated the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into K-P. "Any significant decision regarding the merged districts is now the constitutional prerogative of the provincial assembly," they emphasized. They urged the federal government to refrain from unconstitutional steps that could further marginalize the already underdeveloped tribal districts and instead focus on fulfilling the promises made at the time of the merger. These include ensuring the region's development and integration into the mainstream.
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Muqam denies move to restore FATA status
Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Amir Muqam has clarified that the federal government is not separating the districtsearlier part of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata)from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, Muqam said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a special committee on the merged districts with sincere intentions. The special committee in its inaugural session on July 1 initiated deliberations on revival of the traditional jirga system in former Fata districts, which were merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province in early 2018 through the 25th Constitutional Amendment. During the July 1 meeting, Muqam as the chairman of the committee stressed the need for an alternative justice system rooted in tribal customs but aligned with constitutional principles. The committee also decided to form a sub-committee to draft recommendations and agreed to hold its next session in the K-P's capital, Peshawar. Explaining the background of the development, the minister said in a jirga held during Shehbaz's recent visit to the K-P, tribal elders from the merged districts told the PM about their issues. He said the PM later formed a committee which includes representatives from all relevant parties and tasked it with improving the living conditions of the people in the merged districts. He confirmed that the committee's meeting decided to consult with both current and former parliamentarians on these matters but expressed regret over the opposition's decision to boycott the committee, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach for the development of these areas. He said laws could be improved but emphasized that no new constitutional amendment was being introduced. "The ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is fragmented, and currently, no contacts have been made with any political group - though in politics, anything is possible," he noted. "Decisions will be made in accordance with the aspirations of the people of the merged districts. The committee will engage all stakeholders, including elected representatives, and will work through broad consultations to address tribal concerns and enhance governance in the region," he said. PTI rejects govt's FATA jirga plan The PTI rejected the federal government's "unilateral" decision to introduce reforms in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), calling it malicious and a violation of constitutional principles. Addressing a press conference at K-P House in Islamabad on Monday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that the committee formed by the federal government regarding Fata is based on bad faith. "Appointing Amir Muqam as its convener proves it is merely symbolic, as he neither represents Fata nor holds the public mandate from the area," he said. Gohar pointed out that out of 17 MPAs from the merged districts, 14 belong to the PTI yet they were excluded from the committee, which, he said, is a violation of their constitutional and democratic rights. "The PTI rejects this committee and demands its immediate dissolution," he added. K-P former governor Shah Farman stated that during the Fata merger, a promise was made that development funds would be disbursed through locally elected representatives. Unfortunately, he said, that promise was not fulfilled. He noted that Fata MNAs could vote for matters concerning the entire country but not for their own regions, which is deeply regrettable. Farman warned that reviving laws like the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and restoring settled area privileges is a clear violation of the merger agreement. MNA Iqbal Afridi said globally, the principle is to first provide facilities and funds before imposing taxes. "In contrast, former Fata has been subjected to taxes without any development schemes or resources." Afridi said as a member of the SAFRON Committee, he knew that the committee never held a formal consultation changing Fata's status. Sheikh Waqas Akram said under the guise of "consultation", Fata is being targeted, and the government is trampling constitutional principles. He warned that if decisions are imposed by the government, there will be strong resistance from the people of Fata and the K-P. He said the federal government owes the people of Fata Rs700 billion, which must be fulfilled over the next three years as promised. Otherwise, it will be another betrayal. K-P Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam Khan presented figures, stating that since 2018, only Rs132 billion has been given to former Fata despite a promise of Rs1,000 billion. He added that even after fencing, peace could not be restored in Fata because when a region is deprived of resources, it moves toward backwardness. At the end of the press conference, the representatives from merged districts adopted a unanimous stance, asserting that any constitutional amendment, if required, must be undertaken by the K-P provincial government. The federal government has no right to interfere. We will form our own jirga, and we will not accept any non-representative decisions, they added.
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Revival of Jirga system in erstwhile Fata: Govt to include tribal elders, legal experts: minister
PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRAN, Engineer Amir Muqam has said that federal government is going to include tribal elders and legal experts in the revival of Jirga system in the merged districts of the erstwhile Federal Administered Tribal Area (Fata). He expressed these views while presiding over an introductory meeting of the high-level meeting regarding the revival of Jirga system in former Fata and other matters on Tuesday. Besides, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Federal Minister for Planning Ihsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Interior Affairs Talal Chaudhery, Advisor to KP CM Barrister Dr Mohammad Ali Saif, Secretary Kashmir Affairs Zafar Hassan, Chief Secretary KP Syed Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police (IGP) KP Zulfikar Hameed, former chief secretary KP Shakeel Durrani and others. The meeting discussed an effective alternative system for development of justice system in merged districts and bringing traditional Jirga system in harmony with the constitutional judicial system. Speaking in the meeting, Federal Minister Amir Muqam, who is also the convener of the committee said that proposals regarding the development of peace and law and order would presented in the meeting, saying recommendations for the uplift of tribesmen would be framed in consultations with tribesmen. The meeting also agreed on the formation of a sub-committee and holding next meeting in Peshawar. On this occasion, Federal Minister for Planning, Ihsan Iqbal said that minimizming dependence on police and provision of justice at grass-root level is essential. He said that KP government is major stakeholder in the process. He said that they determined to move forward jointly and paid tributes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Governor KP Faisal Kundi in this regard. Ihsan Iqbal called for the inclusion of the elected public representatives and tribal elites in the ongoing process. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Minister pays tribute to armed forces
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam paid tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan for thwarting India's nefarious designs. Addressing at a news conference in Islamabad on Sunday, he said India had committed an act of aggression against Pakistan under the pretext of the Pahalgam false flag operation. He emphasised that the armed forces of Pakistan delivered a decisive response, effectively teaching the enemy a lesson. He said that Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has made history. He also acknowledged the support of political parties in backing the government on this matter. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Balochistan train services restored as Jaffar Express departs Peshawar
Listen to article Train services in Balochistan have been restored following a 16-day hiatus due to a terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express. The train departed from Peshawar Cantt Railway Station, marking a significant return to operation. Federal Minister Amir Muqam was present to bid farewell to the passengers, offering prayers for their safe journey. The Jaffar Express is carrying 280 passengers, including 28 who are traveling directly from Peshawar to Quetta. It is scheduled to complete its 34-hour journey, arriving in Quetta by 5 PM the following day. The train has been adorned with the national flag, vibrant banners, and balloons, highlighting its significance. It will travel through Punjab and Sindh before entering Balochistan, making it the only train that connects all four provinces. At the time of the train's departure, Minister Amir Muqam stated to the media that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif wished for the resumption of the Jaffar Express service to Quetta, and now the train has officially set off from Peshawar. He further mentioned that the terrorists' intentions would fail and that the process of development in Pakistan and Balochistan would continue. The minister expressed happiness that the Jaffar Express was back in service, symbolising the country's progress. The minister reaffirmed the resolve of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa populace against terrorism, emphasising that the struggle against this threat is ongoing and collective. He also noted that security measures for all train services have been significantly enhanced. Amir Muqam criticized the opposition parties' movements, stating that the aim of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) movements is not the development of the country and province but to seize control of Islamabad. He remarked that the leadership of PTI is unstable and that there is no continuity in their policies. In conclusion, Amir Muqam decided that the process for the return of illegal Afghan refugees is certain and will be implemented according to the circumstances. Moreover, the railway authorities in Quetta decided to send passenger coaches and locomotives damaged in the attack to Lahore for repair. To accommodate passengers during Eid, a special train will leave Quetta on March 29, and a 20% discount will be offered on tickets for Eid days. Additionally, Bolan Express, which previously ran twice a week, will now operate daily to enhance railway connectivity in the province. The number of passenger trains in Balochistan is also being increased from three to nine to improve travel facilities.
